Poet to speak of her 'vision'

Drawing on experience from her accomplished past, writer Juanita Torrence-Thompson will present her "Visions for a New Era." Torrence-Thompson, the third poet in the series celebrating Black History Month, will speak at 7:30 p.m. today in the Paul Robeson Cultural Center.

Torrence-Thompson, a former adjunct professor at New York's The College of New Rochelle, is also an acclaimed poet and freelance writer. In the past 16 years, she has published her freelance work in national magazines such as Black Enterprise and the YSB Magazine.

In addition, Torrence-Thompson has published two books of poetry and prose, the most recent of which was published in 1996, titled Spanning the Years.

Torrence-Thompson has been recognized for excellence in poetry writing through numerous awards, including first prize in the New York Public Library Poetry Contest. In addition, she is a member of many national organizations such as the Poetry Society of America, the National Association of Black Journalists and the American Association of University Women.

Lawrence Young, director of the cultural center, said upon review of Thompson's résumé and her reputation as a lecturer, it was decided she would be a speaker of interest for the "Visions for a New Era" series.

Young said tonight's presentation features the author's poetry as well as commentary on the evening's theme. Torrence-Thompson's appearance is co-sponsored by the department of African and African American studies, Black Caucus, the Center for Women Students, the English department, the cultural center and women's studies department. Following the event, there will be a reception in the center.

--by Cory Shindel